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By
Cathy Ochoa [former]
- December 5, 2024
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer after expressing concern over his legal representation before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 4.
Ethan Cunningham, 22, is charged with three counts of felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.
Cunningham requested to speak with Judge Epstein confidentially, precipitating a discussion about assigning new attorneys to his team. However, Judge Epstein denied this request.
Cunningham’s current attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, stated that he is rejecting a deal to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the prosecution’s dismissing the remaining charges and a sentence of 20 years.
Additionally, the prosecution motioned for a court order to ensure Cunningham is present for the next hearing. On Dec. 2, Cunningham complained of medical issues but after he was cleared he refused to leave the DC Jail for his hearing.
Judge Epstein said the issue is Cunningham’s abiding dislike of his current attorneys. The judge told him directly that the case can continue with or without him and it “needs to get resolved one way or the other.”
Cunningham said, “It’s not just about my lawyers, it’s about me too.” Adding that he has been waiting seven months to move the case forward but his attorneys have failed to answer his questions or discuss the evidence with him.
Judge Epstein said after already changing attorneys it may be time to “ask yourself if the problem isn’t them, but is you.”
Parties are scheduled to reconvene Jan. 10.